WHEN Justin Morris notes that he’s had a “fair bit of bad luck”, it’s not a throwaway line.
Over the past couple of seasons the Western Jets midfielder has undergone a couple of shoulder reconstructions as well as an ankle injury Morris required shoulder surgery after Round 3 last year, but his recovery was compounded by surgery complications. As a result, Morris underwent not one, but two shoulder reconstructions. And, that was after enduring shoulder surgery as a 16-year-old.
“I’ve had a fair bit of bad luck, I’ve been through a fair bit,” Morris said. “But it’s all coming good at the moment so I’m pretty happy. I just love the club, I just wanted to get back and contribute to the team.
” After doing all the pre-season leading up to the Christmas break, Morris badly rolled an ankle. If that wasn’t, dare we say bad enough, he endured tendonitis in the ankle. Morris, who started out in the Jets program five years ago, was forced to sit out a further eight weeks so by the time he was declared fit to play, the Jets had already played six matches. After needing a couple of games to regain his touch and confidence, Morris is now starting to showcase his talent.
“My ankle was still a bit dodgy in the first couple of games back. I wasn’t running very freely at all for the first month, but now my body has come good.”
Morris was a standout against Bendigo Pioneers with 27 possessions, 13 handball receives and nine tackles that capped off a game which saw him earn the maximum five TAC Cup Coaches Award votes. What pleased Morris the most was the number of contested possessions that he won, something that prides himself on.
“I’ve been given a few opportunities to play in some different positions, which is something I’ve really enjoyed,” Morris said.
“Predominantly, I’ve been running through the midfield.” Jets coach Steve Kretiuk said he is delighted how Morris has put all his misfortune behind him and been able to highlight his skills. Kretiuk said given all the football that Morris has missed over the past two seasons he was surprised how quickly he has got back to his best.
“He didn’t play any practice matches, just came into the season blind. He’s a great kid, he really works hard at his game, he’s a great listener and he always gives you 100 percent,” Kretiuk said.
“It’s great that he’s getting some reward for effort. He’certainly had some bad luck.” Such is the impression that Morris has made that Kretiuk had no hesitation in recommending him to play for VFL affiliate Williamstown as its 23rd player. It was another stepping stone in a path that Morris hopes doesn’t have any more trip wires.
Last Modified on 18/08/2010 12:09